Sioux City officers say new school bus safety law will be strict - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

Thursday, Sioux City classrooms will be filled with students once again.

To ensure that they get there safely, a reminder from authorities on a new school bus safety law.

The law inflicts stricter penalties on drivers who pass a school bus with the stop arm extended or fail to slow down when amber lights are flashing.

The first time around, you could be fined $250 to $675, with jail time up to 30 days.

Violating the law for the second time could mean fines up to nearly $1,900.

"There needs to be some reminder for people to take it serious, that going around a school bus, while it might seem innocent, can cost somebody their life," said Chad Sheehan, Sioux City Police Department.

The law, called "Kadyn's Law," is named after 7-year-old Kadyn Halverson of Kensett, Iowa, who was hit and killed by a pickup truck while walking to her bus last year.

Given the danger involved, officials say any violation of the law will not be taken lightly.

"It'll be enforced very strictly. If we see violations of the school bus, officers will issue citations," said Sheehan.

Bus drivers can also submit a form to the police department after witnessing a violation.

After an investigation is made, a citation could be issued.